By Yonah London, Rosh Eidah of Kallah

Kallah Gimmel is here and we couldn’t be more excited! Opening day was a blast and everyone was beyond excited to move in to their new homes and meet their madrichim (counselors). Since the start of the session, all of the chanichim (campers) have already gotten a chance to meet new friends, play sports, swim, and participate in their first cabin night, a great bonding experience with their cabin mates. However, what has amazed me the most is the extent to which the chanichim of Kallah Gimmel have exemplified our limud (jewish learning) theme for the session, middot (jewish values).

On opening day, with some help from our segel (faculty), Vanessa Ehrlich and Barb Shimansky, and a catchy song to the tune of Barbara Ann by The Beach Boys we learned a bit about the values of y’didut (friendship), keif (fun), kehilah (community), gilui (discovery), hagshamah (fulfillment). As we continue to learn during our daily limud sessions, however, the real demonstration of these values is all around Kallah.

On the first day of camp I was happy to see the chanichim moving in and getting used to chatzer Kallah (Kallah’s area) and playing together as a part of their new kehilah. Although it has only been two days I have already seen some amazing demonstrations of yedidut while watching old friends reunite and new ones be included and asked to join in on the first day activities. The amount of gilui in Kallah is also incredible. Whether they are trying new activities at camp or meeting new friends, it is amazing to see the faces of the Kallah chanichim light up when they discover something for the first time.

There is certainly a lot of keif to be had in the coming weeks and as we look forward to our first Shabbat at OSRUI. I can’t wait for the rest of the session and I am looking forward to a fulfilling three weeks for all!